Loranthus

Taxobox
name = "Loranthus"

---

image_caption = "Loranthus europaeus"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Santalales
familia = Loranthaceae
genus = "Loranthus"
genus_authority = Jacq.
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision =

"Loranthus" is a genus of parasitic plants that grow on the branches of woody trees. [Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. 1992 onwards. The families of flowering plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval. [http://delta-intkey.com/angio/www/lorantha.htm Loranthus] ]

Distribution

Throughout the world. Occurs in plenty in Kerala India, as a menace on Mango trees ("Mangifera indica").

Characteristics

These plants grows strongly on ageing trees particularly somewhere in the middle of old branches. Once established, it quickly steals the nutrients and sunlight by covering the encroached place such that the branch of the host tree is rendered weak and inactive. "Loranthus" blooms are rose in colour. It becomes a menace over a period of time for the struggling trees by stealing the sunlight needed for photosynthesis.

Control

Cutting the branch affected by "Loranthus" before it spreads to other branches of the tree may be a method.Fact|date=May 2007 However, using larvae of the Common Jezebel butterfly would be the best method of natural control.Fact|date=May 2007 The leaves of "Loranthus" are food for the larvae. The larvae grow in scores and hence can quickly eat away the leaves of "Loranthus". Moreover, the larvae undergo metamorphosis later into beautiful butterflies called Common Jezebel which are very good pollinators and hence useful for trees.

References